Volume 3.04 | Feb 5

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STORY

Multipotent stromal cells have long been a hot topic in medical research. Scientists have now found a way to specifically mark these stem cells. This makes it possible to analyze their distribution pattern and their function in living organisms. [Press release from the University of Bonn discussing online prepublication in Cell Stem Cell]
Press Release | Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Using a combination of loss of function studies in mouse and zebrafish as well as in vitro cell biology approaches, the authors identified a key role for Rasa3 in endothelial cells and vascular lumen integrity. [PLoS Genet]
Full Article

Scientists report that 48 hour clinorotation promoted cell migration in HUVECs by induction of autophagy. Furthermore, clinorotation enhanced autophagy by the mechanism of human murine double minute 2 (HDM2)-dependent degradation of cytoplasmic p53 at 26S proteasome, which resulted in the suppression of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), but not via activation of AMPK in HUVECs. [Cell Death Dis]
Full Article

Investigators examined the structure of clots formed on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells that had been treated with various types of particles versus those formed on untreated cells. There was a dose-dependent increase in fibre density in clots formed on particle-treated endothelial cells. [Thromb Haemost]
Abstract

By using various angiogenesis assays, it was delineated that DLK1 extracellular domain stimulated angiogenesis by promoting the proliferation, motility and tube formation of endothelial cells. [Angiogenesis]
Abstract

Researchers showed that miR-146a and miR-181b impede the expression of E-selectin by repressing the activity of its transcription factor NF-κB, thereby impairing the metastatic potentials of colon cancer cells by decreasing their adhesion to, and migration through, the endothelium. [Sci Rep]
Full Article

Presenting angiogenic signals in a spatiotemporal fashion is beginning to generate improved vascular networks, which will allow for the creation of large and dense engineered tissues. Scientists provide a brief background on the cells, mechanisms, and molecules driving vascular development (including angiogenesis), followed by how biomaterials and growth factors can be used to direct vessel formation and maturation. [Acta Biomater]
Abstract

Bracco Diagnostics Inc. announced that the labeling of its contrast agent MultiHance® has obtained FDA approval for an extension to include MRI of the CNS in pediatric patients younger than two years of age, to visualize lesions with abnormal blood-brain barrier or abnormal vascularity of the brain, spine, and associated tissues. [Bracco Diagnostics Inc.]
Press Release

The US National Institutes of Health announced that it will discontinue PubMed Commons, a tool that allows scientists to comment on articles indexed in the agency’s popular PubMed database of biomedical literature. The agency said low levels of engagement and the growth of alternate venues for public discussion of published papers contributed to its decision to close PubMed Commons after five years. [Nature News]
Editorial

What makes a conflict of interest in science? Definitions differ, but broadly agree on one thing: an influence that can cloud a researcher’s objectivity. For some people, that influence can be money. But there are other influences that can interfere, such as institutional loyalty, personal beliefs and ambition. [Nature News]
Editorial